UNCW men’s soccer ends season with 3-1 loss at Delaware

NEWARK, Delaware – Sophomore defender Brayden Smith scored his second goal of the season, but it was not enough as third-seeded Delaware used a pair of goals in the second half to earn a 3-1 victory over sixth-seeded UNCW in the quarterfinals of the Colonial Athletic Association Men’s Soccer Championship at Grant Stadium on Saturday evening.

The win elevated the Blue Hens’ record to 10-6-3 on the season and allowed Delaware to advance to the semifinals against second-seeded Elon on Friday, Nov. 13. Meanwhile, the Seahawks’ season ends with an 8-8-3 record.

After Delaware claimed a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute on a goal by junior forward Guillermo Delgado, Smith tied the game at 1-1 in the 36th minute when he collected a loose ball inside the box and scored on a two-yard shot.

But, the Blue Hens answered with two goals in the second half for a 3-1 advantage they did not relinquish. Freshman defender Soren Frost tallied his first career goal in the 57th minute before Delgado added his second goal of the contest with 19:12 remaining.

Freshman goalkeeper Todd Morton made three saves in the win for Delaware, which outshot UNCW by a 13-9 margin.

Junior goalkeeper Sean Melvin posted three saves in the loss for UNCW.

The loss ended the college careers for 11 UNCW seniors, who helped the program earn four consecutive CAA Tournament appearances and win 37 games.

“This group of seniors have elevated the expectations of our program and I am tremendously proud of their contributions and the success they have enjoyed over their careers,” said Coach Aidan Heaney. “We will miss them. What a phenomenal group of men who I feel fortunate to have had the pleasure of coaching.”